Clutch operating mechanism



2 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 11, 1938. 0. K. KELLEY I CLUTCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed July 16, 1932 oct. 11, 1938. o, K KE'LL-gY 2,133,053

CLUTCH OPERATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 16', 1932 01ft? E Patented Oct. 11, 1938.

UNITED STATES PATENT orrlcs' amass- V CLUTCH OPERATING Oliver K. Kelley, Pontiac, Mich, aldgnor to Yclactnring low Track and CoachManni' Company,

Pontiac, Mich, a corporation of Maine Application July v1c, 1032, Serial No. new

22 Claims.

This invention relates to a fluid pressure device a or motor for performing work.

As a major object the invention aims 'to proerably sub-atmospheric pressure derived from the intake manifold of the engine as the fluid pressure medium.

Other objects include simplicity of construction and eillciency in operation.

The invention isillustrated in the accompanying drawings in which- I Fig. 1 is. a side elevation of a part of a motor vehicle showing my invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the power unit. r

Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly in section, of the clutch-operating device.

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective of a detail.

Referring by reference characters to the drawings, numeral I is used to designate.the engine of. a motor vehicle. The engine is shownequipped with the usual intake manifold 3. The throttle valve in the header II between the carburetor and the manifold is operated by a lever I3. At I 5 is shown the accelerator pedal which is designed to control the throttle. Numeral II represents a part of the dash to which is secured a bracket I9. On the bracket Isis-pivoted a three-arm lever 2|. A. link 23 connects the throttle lever I3 to one arm 25. A spring 21 is connected to link 23 and to some fixed point for the purpose of holding the throttle in its closed or engine idling position. A second arm 23is connected by a link 3| to the pedal I5. The third arm 33 is connected by a link 35 to one arm of a lever 31 conveniently pivoted at 33. From the other arm of the lever 31 a link 3| is connected to a plunger 43 of a combined power unit andcontrol valve mechanism to be further described.

At "is a clutch pedal rotatable about a shaft 31. The pedal carries anadjustable abutment 33 to limit its movement of release. In operation the clutch pedal rotates counter-clockwise and engages and rotates a lever 5|. ,This lever BI is connected by a rod 53 to the end of the clutch-releasing lever 55. Rod 53 has a head 33' engaging the lever and a spring 33" surrounds rod 53 and is positioned between an abutment on the rod 53 and the lever 55 .asshown by-Fig.

' As a further object the invention employs pref- 3. The lever 53 rotates about its fulcrum 51 and through suitable mechanism operates to release the clutch against the action of springs 33 normallyiunctioning to render the clutch operative.

Fulcrum 31- may be made as desired but is shown as having a spherical engaging surface 31' held to its seat by a spring 31". The clutch is no part of the invention 'and is not illustrated except to the extent described. V

The clutch may also be released by a rod" which is arranged to act in compressionto simio larly rotate lever 33. Rod 3| has a head 3| engaging the lever 33 anda, spring 33" between the lever and amend abutment 33". The connection of the rods 33 and 3I with the lever 33 I is such that the lever may. be rocked by either 15 of these rods without interference from the other. Rod 3| is connected to anarm 33 on a verticallydisposed rock shaft 33. At the upper end of the rock shaft is an arm 31 which is connected by a tension member, preferably a flexible cable 33 20 to a second plunger II. 0n the floor board of the car is a control button 13 carried by a lever member II. The lever is also provided with an arm 11 which is connected by a rod I3 to a third plunger II.

The combined power unit and valve mechanism-comprises a preferably cylindrical housing 33 constituting the power cylinder and a combined cover and valve assembly represented by numeral 33. These two parts are secured to.-' go gether by fastening means 31. In the powerv cylinder '33 is a piston 33 having a tight fitting I ring 3| and a cap member 33, the latter held by fastening means 33. The piston rod 31 is hollow and is secured to the piston by nuts 33. 5 and III. 'The end of the piston rod remote from the piston is enlarged-as at I33, forming'a shoulder I33. An opening I31 in the cover 33'maintalus-that side of the cylinder to the right of the piston open to the atmosphere. ,lnto the 40 opposite end of the cylinder is screwed a fitting I33, and the end of a conduit III enters into and is held in-position on this fitting by'a nut 3.

From the manifold 3 a pipe li3 ,=extends to an opening in the-cover part- 33. The cover '33 has 45 an opening I I1 dimensioned to receive the plunger 3|. An opening H3 in the cover 33 affords communication between the pipe I I3 and the passage III. A second tubular passage H3 is formed in the cover or head 33,'this second passage ex- .5 tending from-the outside of the head to the region of the cylinder to the right of the piston. Reciprocable in this second passage is the plunger 33. It is with this passage II3 that pipe III communicates, the opening being represented by as 45 at the right of the piston is open to the atmos- .opening I23, passage 1, and pipe H to'the numeral I2I. Between the passages H9 and H1 is an opening" 523. The plunger 43 has a reduced part betweenv its ends which reduced part is represented by numeral I25. By this means these is communication between the cylinder at the left of the piston, through pipe III, opening I25,

manifold when the plungers 3| and 43: are in the position shownby Fig. 2. V

The head 85 has a third elongated chamber I21. At the ends of this chamber are walls guid- "ing the third plunger 1I. Thisplunger is hollow for a part of length as shown in Fig'. 2. .Between the chamber I21 and the passage H9 is an opening I29. The plunger -1| telescopes over' the piston rod 91. A closure ring I3I threaded into the open end of the plunger H and slidably engages the piston rod. The enlarged end. I03 of the piston rod has a sliding lit with the plunger 1|. A spring I33 is located within the hollow part of plunger H and engages the head I3I at one end and the shoulder of the piston 'at' the other end. The plunger is .also provided with 'a-tapered opening I35 afiording communication between the internal cavity of plunger H and the chamber I21.

The operation of the device is as follows Figs.

1 and 2 show the parts in the position they 00- cupy when the button 13 is depressed to render,

the power declutching-device operable and when the accelerator pedal is released in consequence of which. the power cylinder has released the clutch. The pressure, on button 13 is holding plunger ill in such a position that there shall be free communication between the pipe II5 through passage H1 and opening I23. The release of the accelerator pedai I5 has caused lever 2I to rotate, thereby closing the throttle. This motion has advanced plunger 43 so that its portion of reduced diameter affords communication between the opening I23 and the pipe II I. When the plungers 8| and 43 are in this position as stated, thereis free communication between the manifold and the part of the cylinder. to the left of the piston 89. Since the region oi the cylinder phere, the unbalanced pressure has caused the piston to move to the left as shown. In so moving,-it has'pulled plunger H through spring I33 and has operated the cable 69 and related parts to release the clutch against the tension of the clutch spring 59. Incidental to this movement, it will be seen that the relative operating-movements of the piston 99 and the plunger has opened the communication between the chamber within the plunger 1| and .the chamber I21. This does not vent the suction side of the piston, however, because the opening I29 is closed by the plunger 43. The parts will be positioned as above described when stopping the car and also when the throttle is allowed to close prior to gear shifting. when new it is desired to start, as after stopping or after gear shifting. the button 13 being stiii held .depressed, the pedal I5 is pushed forward. As

the throttle is'opened the plunger 43 islpulled out. As the driver applies'his foot to the accel-' erator, plunger 4s reciprocates in 'a direction to close port I23 anti to open port I29. The parts are dimensioned so that when port I29 is fully opened, mart I23 is not quite closed. Port. I 29 is of "less axial length than port I23. It is intended that the movements of theplungerfl shalt gradually close port I.2,3..but thatport I29 is opened and closed quite abruptly. Because of the short axial length of port I29 only short movements are required of plunger 43 to change it from a fully opened to a fully closed position. If it be necessary in order to provide adequate venting, port I29 may be elongated circumferentially while still retaining its axial dimension. As soon as, port I29 is opened bleeding of vacuum from behind the piston oscurs, but as the suction port I23 remains partly open the resulting action is a combination of suction through port.I23 and bleeding through port I29. The suction port I23 begins to be covered with the opening movement of the throttle and becomes fully closed with only a partial throttle opening.

When the clutch is released thetension on the piston rod has compressed spring I33 and completely opened the port. I 35. Even a small :amount of accelerator depression has produced a large opening at I29, and notwithstanding the continued suction the piston moves back. This motion continues at a rapid rate up to the point where the clutch plates just engage. As soon as this has occurred tension on the piston rod starts to diminish as the clutch begins to engage.-

This permits the spring i33 to cause relative.

motion between parts H and 91, thereby decreasing the bleeding port I35.

A very limited ciutch engagement is enough to partially ciose port I35 and, owing to the shape of this port, to materially decrease the bleeding .area. The partially continued suction, when the accelerator is depressed gently, now becomes effective in cutting down the bleeding, which will, however, continue at a slower rate. As the clutch becomes more and more engaged, the port I35 becomes more and more nearly closed, and the bleeding becomes slower and slower, thisaction being somewhat in proportion to the opening of the throttle which regulates the intensity of the spring rate and the preload and the shape and length of port I35 can be so chosen as to give any degree of smoothness required. The length of port I23, regulating the continued suction, can be determined with due regard to low gear ratio,

' vengine torque, and car inertia, to give very gradual maneuvering engagement in parking. Once the set-up is fixed it will never have to be changed as the clutch facings becomeworn.

With a device otthis kind no adjustment is required. Wear of the clutch discs may require a further movement of plunger 1I,.but this. inno way eifects the cperation because 01' the presence of the elongated chamber I21 withevery part of which the opening I35 communicates. Up to the instant when the clutch plates begin to engage, the tension in cable 69 is such'as' to keep the aperture I35 fully open. As the tensionin cable '69 decreases, the dimensions of the opening I35 gradually diminish. Therefore, the characteristic action due to the valve is always-the same regardless of the wear'in the ciutch elements.

I claim: r l. A fluid pressure motor adapted to move apower-transmitting member having spring-actuating means, said-motor comprising a power cylinder, a piston element therein'movableunderthe influence of fluid pressure changes on a first side thereof; a piston rod element connected to said piston element and operably connected to said power-transmitting member whereby the movement of said piston element may overcome the said spring means, said pistonrod element including relatively movable par one part hav-.

ing a vent opening to restore the pressure on said side of the piston, and yielding means between said parts operable to move said parts relatively to each other to normally close said opening as the tension in the piston element influenced by the spring means decreases. I

2. The invention defined by claim 1, said power cylinder having a head provided with an elon-,

gated chamber with which said vent opening communicates inall-positions oi movement of said piston rod element.

of which it controls the fluid pressure on the flrst side of the piston and in another of which it renders the vent opening operable.

4. For use with a motor vehicle having a motor provided with a source of suction and a spring.-

' operated clutch, a fluid pressure motor adapted to be actuated by suction from said source and having a piston element, a connection between a said piston element and said clutch, said connection including relatively movable parts and yielding means therebetween together with a vent opening in one of said parts normally substantially closed by the other part under the influence of the yielding means.

5. The invention defined by claim 4, said fluid pressure motor having a head, said head having an elongated chamber in continuous communication with said vent opening, and said head also having a valve to control the suctionsupply from said source to said fluid pressure motor and to control the exhaust ofsaid fluidpressure motor through said vent opening. I

6. The invention defined by claim 4, said fluid pressure motor having a head, said head having an elongated chamber in continuous communication with said vent opening, and said head also having a valve to control the suction supply from said source to said fluid pressure motor and to; control the exhaust of said fluid pressure motor through said vent opening together with throt tle valve operating means for the motor of the motor vehicle and connections from said throttle operating means to said suction-controlling valve.

7. A fluid pressure operating means for actuating a work-performing device, comprising a pow- .the rate of restoration of said work-performing er cylinder and a piston, connecting means between the piston and the work-performing device,

means associated with said connecting means and responsive to the variable force therein to variably permit passage of fluid to variably determine device to the pcgsgition from which it was moved by the movemen 50f the piston in said cylinder.

8. A fluid pressure operating means for actuating a work-performing device, comprising a power cylinder and a piston, connecting means between the piston and the work-performing device, means associated with said'connection and one of said parts having a tapered vent opening,

and yielding means operable to hold' said parts in a position where one of said parts substantially closes the vent opening in the other part.

9. A combined power unit and control valve comprising a chambered member and a head, a piston element "dividing said chamber into two regions, means forming aconduit from one of said regions and adapted to be connected to a source of suction, the other region being .open to the air, said head having an elongated chamber, a plunger reciprocable in said chamber and having at one end a tubular bore with a tapered opening between said bore and said chamber, a hollow piston rod reciprocable in said bore and connected to said piston, yielding means to normally proiect said plston-into'said bore and substantially close said tapered opening, and means connected to said plunger adapted to release the clutch.

10. The invention deflned by claim 9, said head formed with a second passage communicating with the cylinder, and intersecting said' conduit and also having an opening therefrom to the elongated chamber, a valve movable in said second passage and adapted when in one position to open the passage through the conduit, and in a second position to close the conduit and open the passage from said chamber to the vented side of the cylinder, said valve, in moving-from one of said positions to the other, occupying positions where n both said conduit and said passage are partially open, said head having a third passage extended tointersect the conduit, and a valve therein movable to close or open said conduit.

12. In an automotive vehicle comprising a clutch having driving and driven members, a pressure diii'erential operated power mean having its movable power element connected to the driven member of said clutch, means for controlling the pressure diflerential acting on said power element, said means comprising means automatically operable, when and if the driving and driven members or the clutch are pressure loaded to a predeterm ned degree, to vary said pressure differential toeflect a progressively retarded clutch engaging movement of the aforementioned movable power element.

. 13. In an automotive vehicle comprising a clutch having driving, and driven members, a pressure diflerential operated power means having its movable power element connected to the driven member of said clutch, means for control- ;ling the pressure diflerential acting on said power element, said means comprising means automati- 4 cally operable, when and if the driving and driven members of the clutch are pressure loaded to a predetermineddegree, to vary said pressure dif-v 'ferential to slow up the clutch engaging movev ment of the aforementioned movable power element, said automatically operable pressure differential control means comprising a valve member incorporated in the connection between the aforementioned power element 5 and the driven clutch member. I v

14. In an automotive vehicle comprisinga clutch having driving and driven members, a.

pressure differential operated power'meanshaving its movable power element connected to the driven member of. said clutch, means for controllingthe pressure differential acting on said power element, said means comprisingmeans automatically operable, when and if the driving and driven members of the clutch are pressure loaded to apr'edetermined degree, to vary said pressure difierential tojretard the operation of engaging the clutch, said automatically operable pressure diiferential control means comprising a-valve member incorporated in the connection between the aforementioned power element and the driven clutch member, said valve constitutingv a combined force-transmitting element and valve member and comprising relatively movable members including a spring member.

15. In an automotive vehicle provided with a.

clutch comprising driving and driven members. fluid pressure operated power means for disengaging the clutch and controlling the engagement thereof, said power means comprising a valve automatically operable, when the driving and driven members of the clutch are loaded to a predetermined degree, to vary the fluid pressure of said power means to thereby decrease the rate of engagement of the clutch.

16. In an automotive vehicle provided with a clutch comprising driving and' driven members, fluid pressure operated power means for disengaging the clutch and controlling the engagement thereof,. said power means comprising a connection interconnecting thedriven element of the clutch with the power element of said power means, said connection including a valve member, operable in accordance with the degree of tension of said connection, to automatically vary the fluid pressure of said power means and member, operable in accordance with the degree of tension of said connection, to vary the fluid pressure of said power means to thereby decrease the rate of engagement of the clutch, said valve comprising relatively movable rigid parts of said connection and also including a yieldable member interposed between said rigid parts.

18. In combination with. a power actuated automotive clutch'having driving and driven moves into engagement with the driving member to thereby retard the completion of the clutch engaging operation of said power means.

19. In a motor vehicle,'-the combination of a a clutch, power means connected to said clutch for disengaging the clutch and permitting its reengagement, and means for retarding the engagement of the clutch, said means being governed by means in the connection between the power means and the clutch whichautomatically becomes operable upon initial contact of the clutch faces.

20.,Ina motor vehicle, the combination of an accelerator mechanism, a clutch, power means connected to said clutch for disengaging the clutch and permitting its reengagement, and

means under the control of the accelerator mechgagement, a valve for controlling said motor,

means controlled by the valve for retarding the engagement of the clutch, and means in the connection between. the motor and clutch for governing said valve-controlled retarding means, said last named means automatically becoming operable upon initial contact of the clutch faces independently of the extent of movement necessary to bring the clutch faces into initial contact.

22. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a clutch, a fluid motor connected to said clutch for disengaging the clutch and permitting its reengagement, means in said connection for causing said motor to permit said clutch to engage with a retarded action, saidmeans comprising a spring-biased bleeder valve which is operable upon contact of the clutch faces.

OLIVER K. KELLEY. 

